NFL Divisional Playoffs Preview

The wildcard weekend again was lacking a bit of that wild action. The first three games were relatively over by the second half or early part of the fourth quarter. The Jets showed that they had a rightful spot in the playoffs having little trouble beating the Bengals again. While the Eagles avoided being blanked again to the Cowboys, they couldn't get too more going this week as they fell again to a tough defense minded Dallas team. The Patriots got punched hard in the face from the first play when Ravens' HB Ray Rice ran an opening play run 83 yards to the endzone. The Ravens never looked back and made the Patriots look old and tired. For one of the few times under Bill Belichek, the Patriots looked unprepared and without an answer. The final game certainly made up for the lack of drama in the previous three games. QBs Aaron Rodgers and Kurt Warner traded touchdowns all day and shredded the defenses. The shootout was so close that the game needed overtime, which ironically ended on a big defensive play that led to the winning score for the Cardinals.

My picks were 2-2. Now we turn to the divisional round when the final 8 teams battle for 4 spots and inch closer to Miami.

AFC Divisional Game
Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts: The Ravens got past one potential Hall of Fame QB and now have the task of trying to get past another one. The Ravens are based around their run game and timely offense with a good defense while the Colts continue to be a quick strike offense with an under appreciated defense. Now is the time to see if that rest will pay off or hurt the Colts. Its an all or nothing mentality now for the Colts after they gave away the perfect season. If the defense stifles HB Ray Rice, it will be hard for the Ravens to win. If it becomes a QB vs QB battle, it could be over quick. Colts should prevail by at least one score. PICK: COLTS

NFC Divisional Game
Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints: The Saints come in on three game losing streak and maybe the bye and rest could fix their problems. The Cardinals will need to have the same efficiency this week on offense and this one could be even more of a shootout. When both offenses are on, they could put up 40 easily. The defenses aren't especially strong, but we have seen more out of the Saints' defense this year with the addition of S Darren Sharper. Whichever defense puts better pressure on the other teams QB will win this one. I think the Saints played too good all year to throw it away in the divisional round. PICK: SAINTS

NFC Divisional Game
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings: The Cowboys have looked extremely good the last month and will definitely make it tough on QB Brett Favre and the Vikings. Favre is 0-3 in the postseason against Dallas, but gets them at home, which will help. HB Adrian Peterson has been quiet in the last few games and Favre will need to make sure he avoids some of his potential errors and turnovers. I see this as a low scoring one with some 4th quarter magic from Favre. PICK: VIKINGS

AFC Divisional Game
NY Jets at San Diego Chargers: The Jets might be one of the biggest underdogs ever in this one. The Chargers always seem to be a team to watch in the postseason and let it slip away at the end of the year. This will certainly be a tough road test for QB Mark Sanchez as he returns to Southern California. The Chargers are riding an 11 game win streak and it is hard to see them letting this one slip away. The Jets' defense will keep it close until the end. But the Chargers will get just enough points to win. PICK: CHARGERS

This weekend features the best teams this year with a few wildcards. Wouldn't be surprised if an upset or two occurs. How will the Colts and the Saints look after some time off and a skid? Will the top 4 teams coast to the championship games or will we see a little bit more suspense this week? We shall see. Let the playoffs continue